
Since
its inception in 2008, Streetohome has contributed more than $31M from the
private sector to leverage a variety of projects and programs including 1335
units of supportive housing, the Vancouver Rent Bank, WorkWithUs and Supporting
Tenants, Enabling Pathways.
Since
employment provides marginalized individuals a broadened social network, a
sense of belonging, and an opportunity to participate more fully in society,
the foundation is facilitating entry into the workforce by matching individuals
with employment opportunities that align with their capabilities and
preferences. If you’re a business owner, you can get involved with this very
important cause by visiting http://wwufoundation.org/.
We
caught up with Rob Turnbull, President & CEO of Streetohome Foundation, and
asked him some questions about the great work that the Foundation is involved
in right now.
Q: How did you come up with your employment programs?
Streetohome’s
initial focus of its 10-year plan was on building supportive housing for those
who were homeless or at risk of homeless. Since 2008, we have raised more than
$31 million from the private sector and leveraged additional resources to build
1,335 homes for single adults, couples, youth and families. Living in stable
housing with adequate supports provides a solid foundation for becoming a
contributing member of society, but people also need help to address their
healthcare and employment needs. Recently, Streetohome has turned its attention
to brokering and leveraging employment and addiction recovery opportunities to
prevent homelessness in the first place.
Q: Why did you choose downtown Vancouver for your
headquarters?
Streetohome
is located in the old Seymour Building. Aquilini Properties continues to donate
the office lease as part of their contribution to solving homelessness in
Vancouver. The generosity of Aquilini Properties is one of the reasons we are
able to direct 100 percent of capital donations to housing and homelessness
prevention programs. We are very lean,
with three staff, and fund our modest operations through separate donations.
Being
downtown was important early on as many of our supportive housing projects were
located in the Downtown Eastside. It continues to be ideal to be able to walk a
prospective donor from the office to a building and show them how they are able
to change lives and build futures. Over the years we have contributed to
supportive housing buildings outside the Downtown Eastside and across the City
of Vancouver as homelessness has no borders.
Q: How do you see downtown Vancouver business owners
interacting with your programs?
Streetohome
has partnered with TPD, an international Workforce and HR Solutions company, to
launch WorkWithUs – a new non-profit staffing agency which will match individuals
seeking employment with employers. WorkWithUs is currently collaborating with
businesses that are looking for a unique way to contribute to their community
and, at the same time, meet their workforce needs. We have employees who are
ready and highly-motivated to re-enter the workplace. For more information on
how Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) members can
become involved, please visit the WorkWithUs website at http://wwufoundation.org/ or call 604.409.4090.

For more information about Streetohome Foundation, please visit streetohome.org